Photographer Nick Mele’s Guide to Newport

Day 1

• 9:00am | Breakfast in the Conservatory

  Start your morning with a delectable breakfast spread in the sun-drenched Conservatory before you explore Newport.

• 11:00am | Shop in downtown Newport

  Explore the incredible shops around downtown Newport – just minutes walking from The Vanderbilt. Step inside Wald & Sea, The Little Chateau, Charter Books, Kristen Coates, or CK Bradley to find the best coastal treasures.

• 4:30pm | Cruise the Coast in a Classic Car

  Take a spin around Newport from behind the wheel of a car worthy of the Vanderbilts. Whether it’s a 1966 Ford Mustang or a 2007 Aston Martin, explore the coast, historic Gilded Age mansions or surrounding farms and vineyards behind the wheels of one of Newport Classic Car Rental’s iconic automobiles. Take a stop by the beach and enjoy golden hour with a Vanderbilt picnic spread.

• 7:00pm | Dinner at Black Pearl

  End your day with a sumptuous dinner at Black Pearl and don’t skip their classic New England clam chowder.

Day 2

• 9:00am | Breakfast in the Conservatory

  Start your morning with a delectable breakfast spread in the sun-drenched Conservatory before you explore Newport.

• 11:00am | Explore the Cliff Walk

  Savor Newport’s natural and historical beauty by wandering the Cliff Walk along the eastern shore. The walk offers better views of some of the estates than can be seen from the road. The full 3.5-mile walk starts at the western end of Easton’s or First Beach at Memorial Boulevard, and ends at Bellevue Avenue at the east end of Bailey’s Beach.

• 1:00pm | Visit the Tennis Hall of Fame

  Bring your family for a private tennis lesson on the famed International Tennis Hall of Fame grass courts in Newport. Hit with an ITHF pro, receive exclusive amenities and a guided tour of the ITHF Museum, which includes a private, behind-the-scenes glimpse at special tennis artifacts from years past like Roger Federer’s match kit from his last professional match.

• 3:45pm | Unwind with a treatment at The Vanderbilt Spa

  Discover ultimate restoration after a day filled with coastal pursuits at The Vanderbilt Spa. Relax and restore body and soul with a visit to the exquisite treatment rooms, sauna, steam showers and spa pool, Reserve a rejuvenating spa treatment like “The Getaway,” The Vanderbilt’s Swedish-style massage.

• 7:00pm | Dinner in the Dining Room

  Discover The Vanderbilt’s convivial Dining Room crackling with alluring eccentricities. Indulge in Chef Tim Caspare’s curated menu that features the best of Rhode Island’s bounty from land and sea like the Cast Iron Octopus, Endive & Apple Salad and the Catch of the Day.

Day 3

• 9:00am | Breakfast in the Conservatory

  Start your morning with a delectable breakfast spread in the sun-drenched Conservatory before you explore Newport.

• 11:00am | Tour the Gilded Age Mansions

  Make your way over to Bellevue Ave to explore the iconic Gilded Age mansions of Newport. These estates, once the summer homes of America’s wealthiest families, offer a fascinating glimpse into the opulence and grandeur of the late 19th century. Start with The Breakers, the grandest of them all, built by the Vanderbilt family. The mansion’s lavish architecture, combined with its spectacular oceanfront views, makes it an unforgettable experience. Another essential stop is Marble House, which exudes the elegance of the era with its marble walls and intricate designs.

• 1:00pm | Spend the Afternoon at a Local Beach

  Journey to Reject’s Beach for the rest of the afternoon to relax under the sun and enjoy the Newport coast. This hidden gem is a favorite among locals and offers a more laid-back and serene experience.

• 5:00pm | Imbibe on the Roof Deck

  Revel in the energy and imbibe with friends on The Vanderbilt Roof Deck, offering wraparound views of New England sunset over the harbor and Claiborne Pell Bridge.

• 8:00pm | Dinner & Dancing at Clarke Cooke House

  Finish your evening at Clarke Cooke House where you can enjoy classic New England tipples as you overlook the wharf and is known to host quite a few after-dinner dance parties.

About the Insider | Nick Mele